Press Release

Napa Valley Vintners' Auction Napa Valley Set for June 4-7, 2009

Tickets on Sale March 31

3/19/2009 - St Helena, CA - Napa Valley Vintners (NVV), the non-profit, professional trade organization representing nearly 350 Napa Valley wineries and responsible for the promotion and protection of the Napa Valley appellation, announces that tickets for its annual fundraiser Auction Napa Valley (ANV) 2009, to be held June 4-7, will go on sale Tuesday, March 31.

"We know times are tough in this challenging economy, but now more than ever, the auction seeks to continue to provide needed funds for our healthcare, youth service and affordable housing charities," said Janet Trefethen of Trefethen Family Vineyards whose family is chairing the 2009 event. She continued, "We will ensure that doing good for the community will include fun--after all, it's the first three letters of the word fundraising!"

NVV and ANV Board President Paula Kornell said, "Auction Napa Valley is at the forefront and is the granddaddy of American charity wine auctions, having given $85 million since its inception for health, youth and housing non-profits, and this year's Auction weekend promises to continue the legacy of incredible wine and outstanding hospitality with intimate vintner-hosted parties along with signature grand tasting events held throughout the legendary Napa Valley. We are thrilled with the outpouring of generosity our vintners have shown this year with incredible lots of wine, and more, being offered this year."

"Wine and especially the events to be won at this year's Auction Napa Valley are a great way to pay it forward-a bidder can purchase a lot that might include a dinner party or activity along with some great wine and then use it to entertain friends or business clients while having provided funds for these charities. We've even heard of successful bidders turning around and giving the auction lots won to other charity events, thereby multiplying the funds raised for charity," said Linda Reiff, NVV's executive director.

To learn more about attending ANV 2009, log on to the website at www.napavintners.com to purchase "Classic" full auction packages, the "All American Day Package" or Friday-only tickets. Quantities are limited, available on a first-come, first-served basis, and early registration is encouraged.

2009 Highlights
2009 celebrates the 29th annual ANV-and Highway 29 is the thread that binds the valley together-so it seems fitting that this 29-mile-long celebration, from Carneros to Calistoga is the must-attend event of the year for wine lovers!

Thursday, June 4
Auction Eve
In Napa Valley, vintners begin the weekend early and kick off the festivities with 14 pre-Auction parties and Open Houses, known as "Auction Eve." Bidders will have their pick of vintner invitations from which to choose. Seasoned attendees plan their strategy, and then hire a limo to party-hop from one winery to the next, up and down the Valley.

The Perennial Favorite... Barrel Auction
A tasting unlike any other, with samples 'thieved' right from the barrel by the winemaker, this annual robust, crowd-pleasing barrel tasting and futures auction will offer case lots from 115 Napa Valley wineries in the cool of the Robert Mondavi Winery's To-Kalon cellar at the Friday event.

The E-Auction Continues...
Launching around the world on May 22 and closing at the Friday event is the on-line member of the Auction trilogy, the E-Auction--virtual Napa Valley from the comfort of your home or office. Here, bidders around the globe duel in real-time with bidders on-site at the Friday event. This is the perfect way to be a part of the event even if schedules don't allow you to attend Auction Napa Valley. This year vintners have offered more than 100 incredible lots of luxury items, rare wines, travel and vintner-hosted events, the E-Auction brings Auction Napa Valley to the world.

Friday Evening Bidder Private Dinner Parties
A bidder favorite and a long-standing tradition of Auction Napa Valley, "Classic" full package holders will experience pull-out-the stops, fabulous, intimate fetes with winemakers in their homes and wineries, many featuring star chefs from around the country.

Saturday, June 6
Saturday Daytime Private Parties
A quintessential Napa Valley experience, the Saturday daytime, more casual private parties allow "Classic" full package and "All-American Day Package" holders to choose from intimate garden parties or a cooking class with a winery chef, each held at a vintner's winery or home.

The Centerpiece of Auction Napa Valley... the Live Auction
This year, bidders will vie for 42 rare and one-of-a-kind lots at the event's centerpiece Live Auction on Saturday evening at the elegant Meadowood Napa Valley. The evening starts with a sunset reception, followed by dinner crafted in collaboration by chefs from across the country.

Sunday, June 7
The Farewell Fete
Here's your chance to meet 2010's ANV chair family and tie the weekend up with a bow at a late-morning food, music and wine fest at Robert Mondavi Winery as vintner's bid farewell to Auction guests.

A very limited number of single tickets to the Friday Taste Napa Valley event can be purchased for $250 per person, and all ticket holders are eligible and encouraged to bid on either the Barrel or E-Auctions.

About the NVV
The Napa Valley Vintners is the non-profit trade association responsible for promoting and protecting the Napa Valley appellation as the premier winegrowing region. The organization celebrates its 65th anniversary this year. From seven founding members in 1944, today the association represents nearly 350 Napa Valley wineries and collectively is a leader in the world-wide wine industry. To learn more about our region and its legendary American wines, visit www.napavintners.com

NVV's Community Promise
Auction Napa Valley, an annual fundraiser of the NVV, has given $85 million since 1981 for a host of non-profits in Napa County. In 2007, the NVV made a $25 million promise to the community, ensuring that the Auction will distribute a minimum of $5 million to its beneficiaries each year over the next five years. Any funds raised in excess will also be distributed to beneficiaries each year.